Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – According to China Central Television (CMG), the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Informal Meeting was successfully held in the Philippines on March 13. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Huynh led a delegation to the meeting, where economic ministers from member states gathered to discuss regional economic development plans and jointly address the challenges brought about by the changing global economic landscape.
The meeting was held amidst ongoing instability in the Middle East and heightened volatility in global energy and financial markets. The agenda focused on several key areas, with in-depth discussions centered on four main directions. The meeting will focus on four key areas: First, assessing current global and regional economic development trends, with a particular emphasis on the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on ASEAN's energy supply and trade, and exploring targeted countermeasures to enhance regional economic resilience. Second, clarifying the Philippines' economic priorities as the 2026 ASEAN chair, including promoting the ratification of relevant protocols to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and advancing economic cooperation supporting consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Third, monitoring the operation of the ASEAN Economic Community, with a focus on the effectiveness of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, and promoting the deep integration of the digital economy with the real economy. Fourth, advancing Timor-Leste's integration into the ASEAN Economic Community after its accession to ASEAN, while also discussing important issues such as ASEAN's relationship with the Community and ASEAN's external economic cooperation.
During the meeting, economic ministers from member states will also hold special meetings with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN and East Asia Economic Institute, and the Asian Development Bank to pool wisdom and resources for cooperation, promoting high-quality ASEAN economic development.
